A simple gift that contributes to social cause is to donate to a charity or cause in honor of the Birthday One’s choosing. This is rather a unique gift so either the Birthday One suggests this in the first place, or you will have to mention to the Birthday One and see whether it’s something they would like if you want to give this type of gift.

There are 4 types of cases for donating to a charity or cause as a birthday gift:

1. The Birthday One suggests it- Some people at some point just do not want any material gifts anymore and would rather want the money used for gifts to be donated to charity or a cause instead. In this case, it’s simple, you can just donate to the charity or cause of the Birthday One’s choice. Some may choose to do it anonymously as gift giver. Some may be able to leave a name as the gift giver when donating at the website. I would suggest letting the Birthday One know that you donated just for their info. It would be nice for them to know that someone listened to their birthday gift requests for donating to the charity or cause of their choice.

2.A charity or cause the Birthday One supports – It could be for a charity or cause that the Birthday One strongly advocates and have volunteered or mentioned about. They would likely appreciate a donation in their honor, but it is still advisable to check with them if they would like that. Just because they support the charity organization or cause doesn’t necessarily mean they want their birthday gift to be donated to charity or the cause.

3. A charity or cause their spouse or family member supports – In this case, you should definitely check with the Birthday One. Just because their spouse or family support, does not mean they will do the same or would want their Birthday gifts donated to the same charity or cause.

4.A charity or cause that you want to support – this is another case that you would have to check with the Birthday One because it is not your birthday! If they are close to you, they probably will not mind. Some may not care since it’s your money anyway, you can do whatever you want with it. Others may not be as understanding just simply because they would prefer an actual birthday gift, or they just do not want to support that charity or cause.

A True Birthday One story

One of my friends opted to not receive any gifts for one Birthday and wrote a message to all her Facebook friends that want to give birthday gifts to not give gifts and instead redirect the gifts as donations to support a cause on . The cause was to purchase mirrors for students to see themselves when they are learning to dance. It was something that meant a lot for her, and since she requests it, I did as she requested for her birthday gift that year. It was something she wants and support, and I am also glad that I helped out on that cause too.